Albanian girls are more educated than boys! Inequality in the workplace

Albanian girls surpass boys in higher education but inequality persists in the workplace

Girls and women in Albania are significantly outperforming boys in higher education. According to the latest data published by INSTAT for the 2023/2024 academic year, out of nearly 28,000 graduating students, 66% are female a percentage that has increased compared to the previous year.

Sociologists say that girls’ choice to pursue higher education is closely linked to the changing role of women in society and their desire for a better future.

“It is mainly related to their outlook on the future. They believe that education transforms their opportunities. It is also connected to how the perception of women in society has evolved no longer seen only as contributors within the household.”

Meanwhile, boys are increasingly turning to alternative pathways to earn income, such as vocational education, migration, or informal work often neglecting secondary and university education.

Not only in university classrooms, but also within the teaching workforce, women are the majority. In primary and secondary education, 79% of teachers are women, compared to 71% men in previous years.

“This happens because men tend to choose faster income-generating routes. Even though they are often the main providers for their families, they opt for these alternatives. Education attracts more women because traditionally, it has been a lower-paid field.”

The data also reveals a clear gender divide in fields of study. Girls primarily graduate in:

Business, administration and law

Healthcare

Social sciences and journalism

While boys focus on:

Engineering, manufacturing and construction

Information and communication technology

Business and economics

Despite the rising number of female graduates, gender equality in the labor market remains a challenge. Experts emphasize that although women are investing more in education, this does not always translate into higher positions or better salaries.

“KORÇA BOOM”